(currently being worked on) an automated HOn20 switchback.
This latter is a logging line running up the side of a hill to a logging area, with one switchback turnout. The loco (a scatchbuilt Climax) has a DZ143 decoder, working lights and `firebox flicker'. The plan is that, once started up, the loco will move up the hill past the switchback, stop while the turnout changes, and then wander up to the logging area.
After a short wait, it will reverse the process. This whole process will be automatic, triggered by 3x BD1 Block Occupancy Detectors connected to a LocoIO board, and master-minded by my home-brew software.
My home-brew software also provides loco control and turnout control, including simple routing.
Jeff Law
What you need to after you get the bugs worked out for the train is to have the brakeman standing by the turnout as it is switching. Once the train goes by him he climbs on the train and then gets off at the next switch...
Okay, The brakeman will not be able to climb up onto the train, but...
Maybe stopping the train just before the turnout and he walks up to it...
Then after the train goes through it walking back to the train...
If you can do this so the brakeman is hidden by the train after he gets to it....
The idea would be there that someone is actually throwing the turnouts....
Donald